REAL ID Deadline: TSA urges consumers to change their identity because the deadline for travel documentation

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is deploying a new public awareness campaign for Real ID as the deadline for trading approaches. Travelers will not be able to board a flight without a real or alternative identity card from 1 October 2020.

"We want the public to be aware, it's just an extra layer of security," said Tomas Cuellar, head of transportation safety at TSA, at CBS News.

Congress enacted the Real ID Act in 2005, following a 9 September Commission recommendation setting national safety standards for state driving licenses and identity cards. However, the application of these requirements has been delayed several times. US TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the move to the real ID will "significantly improve commercial aviation safety."

The TSA, however, starts the new awareness campaign early to avoid a bigger rush to the local DMVs.

"If you do not do it as soon as possible, everyone will rush at the last minute and we do not want someone who finds himself in a situation where he shows up at the airport ready to take the plane on vacation then suddenly can not get through, "said Cuellar.

Who is opposed to Real ID?

Without a real identity card, travelers will be able to board a flight only if they have another improved identification, such as a passport. Those with real identifiers can also access federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

States have raised concerns about the law's requirements for real identifiers, including the retention of images of documents presented by drivers' license applicants as proof of their identity, such as their birth certificates. State officials said the information could be violated and could be used to track down law-abiding US citizens.

They also oppose the US government, which unilaterally sets standards in a traditionally state-run domain.

What does a real identifier look like?

DMV

The cards conforming to the identity card are usually marked with a star symbol located at the top of the card. Some areas will have state-specific stars for their actual identifiers, so the appearance may differ from state to state.

Most states have already started issuing identity cards under the requirements of real identity. Four states – Oregon, Oklahoma, New Jersey and Maine – have extensions and should be in compliance later this year.

What you need to get a real ID

Each state differs in what you must bring with precision to obtain a certified real identifier. Generally, a DMV will need your social security card, a birth certificate, another form of government issued ID and evidence of residence.